Exploring AI in Architecture: DeepHimmelblau and the Creative Crossroads

In the age of artificial intelligence, architects find themselves at a crossroads where emerging technologies offer both unprecedented opportunities and complex challenges. Some embrace AI wholeheartedly, integrating it into their creative processes; others maintain a cautious distance or even reject its influence in architectural design. A particularly intriguing development in this discourse is DeepHimmelblau, a project by Wolf Prix's renowned firm, Coop Himmelb(l)au.

As I delved deeper into the works of DeepHimmelblau, my initial judgments began to evolve. The images shared on Instagram showcasing their projects left a lingering sense of unease that hasn't entirely dissipated. While it's important not to place undue weight on social media platforms like Instagram, we must acknowledge that the visuals shared there undergo a certain level of curation due to the platform's vast network. These images are accepted as representations of the work and are not shared arbitrarily. This raises the question: Do DeepHimmelblau's latest posts encapsulate the essence of their work as intended, or might they reflect interpretations that don't fully grasp the project's depth?

Witnessing what appear to be replicas of Coop Himmelb(l)au's iconic works within the outputs of such a complex, multi-layered system prompts a degree of introspection. This could be influenced by the ingrained design habits and expressive tendencies of Wolf Prix or the firm's overarching design ethos, perpetuated by team members deeply attached to these traditions. One might wonder how these recent images compare to the outputs of other platforms like Midjourney and DALL·E, which draw from a vast repository of global visual data. How does this juxtaposition influence the designer's perspective and feelings about originality and innovation?

These considerations are intrinsically linked to the transparency of architects and firms regarding their creative processes. There's an ongoing dialogue about the extent to which architects should detach from their established design principles. Is it necessary—or even possible—for them to shed these preconceived notions entirely? Embracing new methodologies and adapting to emerging technologies may carry the risk of homogenization, where diverse images converge into reflections of a single cultural narrative. This phenomenon is reminiscent of how many Hollywood productions, despite their variety, often exhibit underlying similarities.

A parallel can be drawn with the experiences of Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) and their use of AI systems in design processes. Some architects perceive a certain monotony—or a "carob taste," to use a metaphor—in the AI-generated outputs, suggesting a lack of satisfying novelty. This prompts critical questions: What elements are essential within a firm's work to foster genuine evolution or even a deliberate mutation of style? Is maintaining a familiar visual identity, like that associated with ZHA, a strategic aspect of brand identity? Alternatively, could this recognizable style be reclassified by observers as "retro-organic," reflecting a retrospective rather than progressive approach?

Assuming that advancements in automation have enabled us to expedite our workflows, we find ourselves with the opportunity to revisit and update our design manifestos and methodologies. The challenge lies in integrating these updated philosophies into existing systems. When new manifestos introduce fresh visual, material, and spatial qualities, ensuring that these innovations can express themselves without being overshadowed by pre-existing frameworks is crucial. This situation could be likened to horticulture: perhaps it's necessary to prune certain growths to allow the main structure to thrive, or alternatively, to cultivate new shoots in isolated environments where they can develop independently. The extent to which we can implement such strategies remains an open question.

In the context of the DeepHimmelblau project, there's a subtle concern about the reliance on an AI module deeply rooted in Coop Himmelb(l)au's 50 years of experience. While this module is capable of generating new works and visuals, what emerges might be more of a synthesis of the past rather than a leap into uncharted creative territories. It's less about creating an "immortal" version of Coop Himmelb(l)au and more about potentially anchoring the firm to its historical repertoire. Updating the AI's database with new projects is a step forward, but altering the inherent biases shaped by half a century of design philosophy is undeniably challenging.

When architects embark on new projects, they naturally draw upon their previous creative experiences. Yet, the hallmark of innovation lies in the ability to explore entirely new concepts in environments that encourage fresh thinking. In this light, DeepHimmelblau functions as a conscious archive—it can recombine existing elements to produce new creations but may not critically evaluate or push these creations toward groundbreaking innovation. Thus, while it serves as an extension of the architect's capabilities, it may currently function more as a tool for maintaining consistency rather than as a catalyst for creativity.

This brings us to a pivotal question: Where does reliance on such systems lead us if there's a possibility that the outputs become mere reproductions identifiable by their adherence to a particular style? Perhaps the essence of a project is best captured when it's approached by architects or creators who, while grounded in their expertise, actively seek to transcend their established boundaries.

These reflections underscore the delicate balance between leveraging advanced technologies like AI in architectural design and preserving the innovative spirit that propels the field forward. They invite a broader dialogue on how architects can embrace new tools and methodologies while ensuring that they continue to push boundaries, foster diversity in design, and explore uncharted creative landscapes. The goal is not to eschew tradition but to build upon it thoughtfully, ensuring that the evolution of architectural practice remains both dynamic and meaningful.